The Israeli Air Force has reportedly struck a Hamas headquarters in Doha, Qatar, marking a dramatic escalation in its conflict with the militant group. The attack represents a significant departure from Israel’s previous policy, as it appears to target the political leadership of Hamas, which had until now been spared due to Qatar’s crucial role as a mediator in the ongoing hostage crisis.
Israeli officials framed the strike as a direct response to a deadly attack in Jerusalem a day earlier, which killed six Israeli citizens and was claimed by Hamas’s military wing. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed in a statement that it had conducted a “precise strike against the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization,” holding them responsible for the October 7th attacks and the ensuing war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later described it as a “completely independent Israeli operation.”
Unconfirmed reports suggest the attack targeted a residential building in Doha where several high-ranking Hamas officials, including political bureau chairman Khaled Mashal and leader Khalil al-Hayya, were meeting. Some of the individuals had reportedly traveled from Turkey for the gathering. While the full extent of the damage remains unclear, sources within Hamas have claimed to media outlets that the targeted leaders survived the strike.
This unprecedented action in the Qatari capital suggests that Israel may have lost faith in the negotiation process to free the remaining hostages held in Gaza. Since the October 7th assault, Qatar has been the primary intermediary between Israel and Hamas, facilitating talks for the release of approximately 20 living hostages and the remains of 28 others. The latest round of talks, however, reportedly failed, leading to rising frustration in Jerusalem.
The strike raises grave concerns for the fate of the hostages, as Hamas had previously threatened to move them to active combat zones if its leaders abroad were targeted. Concurrently, the IDF has issued new evacuation warnings to residents of Gaza City, signaling that a large-scale ground assault may be imminent. This bold move against the Hamas leadership in their foreign sanctuary may indicate a strategic pivot, suggesting Israel now believes a military solution is the only path forward, regardless of the diplomatic fallout or the risks to those still in captivity.